Public Statements

Kind Fights to Maintain Payroll Tax Cut for Working Families

Statement

Rep. Ron Kind made the following statement today following House action on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011, H.R. 3630. House Republicans rejected the Senate-passed bipartisan bill extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits.

"We cannot afford to increases taxes, by an average of $1020, on hard-working Wisconsin families who are doing everything they can just to make ends meet, nor strip away unemployment benefits from 41,100 Wisconsinites who depend on them. We must continue working to strengthen the economy and this is an important step in the right direction.

"Though passing a short-term extension isn't ideal, it's the best the Senate can do now and the only way to ensure those who need assistance will find some relief.

"Too many Members in the House are again playing games that threaten the middle class and our economic recovery. We cannot continue to wait until the last minute to do our jobs - and bring relief to working families."